What a Windows 10 Factory Reset Does

A factory reset removes all your files, programs, and settings and returns Windows 10 to the state it was in when you first turned on the computer. This means your documents, photos, installed software, and customizations all disappear. Windows itself is reinstalled fresh, which can fix serious problems like malware infections, persistent crashes, or a computer that has become too slow to use.

Before you reset, understand that this is permanent and thorough. You cannot undo it once it starts. If there are files you want to keep—photos, documents, spreadsheets—you must back them up to an external drive, USB stick, or cloud storage first. The reset process itself takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer's speed.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting, because a factory reset deletes everything on your computer.
  • You can reset Windows 10 through Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC, which is the safest method for most people.
  • Choose "Remove everything" to do a full factory reset, or "Keep my files" if you only want to reinstall Windows and keep your documents.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to two hours and your computer will restart multiple times—do not turn it off during this time.
  • After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with a Microsoft account and reinstall any programs you use regularly.

Back Up Your Files Before You Start

The first step is to save anything you want to keep. Connect an external hard drive or USB stick to your computer. Open File Explorer and copy your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders to the external drive. If you use cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, make sure your important files have synced to the cloud first.

If you have programs you paid for or custom settings you spent time configuring, write down their names and where you downloaded them. You will need to reinstall them after the reset. For programs that came with your computer (like antivirus software), check the manufacturer's website to see if you need a license key or installation file.

Reset Windows 10 Through Settings

Open the Start menu and type "Reset this PC" into the search box. Click the result that appears. This opens the Recovery settings page. You will see a blue button labeled "get your free guide" under the "Reset this PC" heading—click it.

Windows will ask whether you want to "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." If you want a true factory reset that deletes all your personal data, choose "Remove everything." If you only want to fix Windows problems but keep your documents and photos, choose "Keep my files." For most people dealing with malware or serious slowness, "Remove everything" is the safer choice.

Next, Windows asks whether to reinstall from the cloud or use local files. "Cloud read" downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft's servers—this is slower but ensures you get the newest version. "Local reinstall" uses files already on your computer—this is faster but may not include the latest updates. Either option works; choose based on your internet speed.

What Happens During the Reset

Once you click the final confirmation, Windows begins removing files and reinstalling itself. Your screen will go black, and you will see a spinning circle or progress bar. The computer will restart several times—this is normal. Do not turn off the computer, unplug it, or close the lid during this process, even if it seems stuck. A reset can take anywhere from 30 minutes on a fast computer to two hours on an older one.

When the reset finishes, your computer will restart and show the Windows 10 setup screen, just as if it were brand new. You will be asked to choose your language, accept the license agreement, and sign in with a Microsoft account. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can create one during setup or use a local account instead.

Reinstall Your Programs and Restore Your Files

After setup completes, your desktop will be empty except for the Recycle Bin and a few default Windows icons. Windows Update will automatically read and install the latest patches—this may take 15 to 30 minutes and require another restart. Let this finish before you do anything else.

Once updates are done, reconnect your external drive or USB stick and copy your backed-up files back to your Documents, Pictures, and other folders. Then reinstall the programs you use. Go to the manufacturer's website for each program, read the installer, and run it. You may need to enter license keys for paid software.

If You Cannot Access Settings

If Windows is so damaged that you cannot open Settings or the computer will not start normally, you can reset from the login screen. Restart your computer and watch for a message that says "Press any key to boot from CD or USB." If your computer shows this, you can use a Windows 10 installation USB to reset it. You will need another computer to create this USB stick using the Windows Media Creation Tool, which you can read free from Microsoft's website.

If your computer will not start at all and you do not have a Windows installation USB, you may need to take it to a repair shop. They can create the USB and perform the reset for you, though this will cost money.

After the Reset Is Complete

Your computer is now in the same state as when it left the factory. It will run faster because there is no accumulated clutter, and any malware or corrupted files are gone. However, you now have a blank slate—no email accounts are set up, no programs are installed, and your files are only there if you restored them from backup.

Set up your email by opening Outlook or Mail and signing in. Install your antivirus software and run a full scan to make sure nothing malicious came back. Reinstall your web browser, office software, and any other programs you use regularly. This takes time, but it is worth it because you are starting fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop the reset once it starts?

You can cancel the reset before it begins by closing the Settings window. Once the reset starts and your computer restarts, you cannot stop it safely. Turning off the computer during a reset can damage Windows and make it unbootable, so let it finish even if it takes a long time.

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

A full factory reset with "Remove everything" will remove most malware because it deletes all files and reinstalls Windows fresh. However, some advanced malware can hide in the computer's firmware, which a standard reset does not touch. If you suspect serious infection, consider having a professional check the computer after the reset.

What if I forgot my Microsoft account password?

If you cannot remember your Microsoft account password, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account." Follow the steps to verify your identity and reset your password. You can then use the new password to sign in after the reset completes.

Do I need the Windows 10 product key after a reset?

If your computer came with Windows 10 pre-installed, the license is tied to your hardware and you do not need to enter a key. Windows will reactivate automatically after the reset. If you installed Windows 10 yourself, you may need the product key—check your email or the documentation that came with it.

Can I reset Windows 10 without an internet connection?

Yes, you can choose "Local reinstall" during the reset process, which uses files already on your computer and does not require internet. However, after the reset completes, you will need internet to read Windows updates and sign in to your Microsoft account.